Global beauty blooms at Philadelphia Flower Show

Friday

Feb 26, 2010 at 12:01 AMFeb 26, 2010 at 6:59 PM

The Philadelphia Flower Show can overwhelm you before you get through the door. The largest indoor flower show in the world re-invents itself annually, turning 10 acres of exhibit space into a lush maze of horticultural fantasy.

Sarika Jagtiani

The Philadelphia Flower Show can overwhelm you before you get through the door. The largest indoor flower show in the world re-invents itself annually, turning 10 acres of exhibit space into a lush maze of horticultural fantasy.

This year’s theme is “Passport to the World,” a concept that finds its way into every facet of the event, from the culinary demonstrations to the daily entertainment to, of course, the flowers. The key to a successful trip to the show is doing your homework first so you don’t miss anything.

1. A world of horticulture

Get ready for a world of beauty. Visitors will get a feel for an Indian wedding, a Dutch canal garden and a South African scene as part of the six showcase gardens highlighting different cultures. A dense ficus growth, plunging waterfall and plants such as heliconias and bromeliads will depict Brazil’s Amazon jungle, complete with demonstrations of tropical birds by the Philadelphia Zoo. Singapore will come to life with a tribute to the orchid, and the beauty of New Zealand blooms with a Kiwi Garden showcasing cala and Casablanca lillies, giant tree ferns, hand-carved Maori tikis and more. Designers through the show will touch on the landscapes of China, Thailand, England, Scotland, Ireland, the Caribbean and even the northern region’s Aurora Borealis.

Entertainers were booked for their international flair as well. Bollywood dancers, Brazilian singers and Samba dancing will entertain while horticulturists browse.

2. Can’t miss sights

There is so much to see at the Flower Show that it’s hard to stand out. Some sights, however, stand out because of sheer size. Don’t miss the 28-foot hot air balloon covered with more than 79,000 dried flowers that will tower over guests at the Explorer’s Garden. Then head to the Indian wedding scene where a life-size elephant topiary oversees the palm trees, jasmine, pools of lotus and ropes of marigolds. If that doesn’t impress, check out the 13-foot-tall Maori totem pole sculpted out of a Pawlonia tree trunk in the New Zealand-inspired exhibit.

3. Tend to gardening and cooking skills

There are more than 150 gardening presentations throughout the week, including free gardener’s studio workshops about roses, residential landscaping, the importance of soil, orchids, houseplants, gardening with recycled tools and many more topics. More lectures and demonstrations range from “Ireland: Your Passport to a World of Gardens” to “Using Everyday Flowers in Your Home.”

More interested in a hot meal than a hothouse? Get some delectable cooking tips on Cuban, Indian, Irish, healthy vegetarian and other cuisines through demonstrations by restaurants including Le Bec Fin, City Tavern and Cafe Spice.

4. Fashion in bloom

“Project Runway” fans should make time to check out a new competitive category devoted to fashion, and a collection of 16 dresses inspired by different countries and created by Art Institute of Philadelphia students.

5. Foodie favorites

An International Dessert and Coffee Bar help those jonesing for something sweet or caffeinated. If you’d rather sip wine than coffee, check out the International Wine and Spirits Garden. Tea lovers can wind down with the Garden Tea, a seated treat with petite sandwiches, pastries, fruit and an assortment of teas. Plan for it, though. There are two seatings daily, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and 3:45 to 5:15 p.m., and are $28 per person, not including the Flower Show ticket. Same day admission to the Flower Show is required to attend the tea. Seating is pre-assigned, with four or five at a table.

ADMISSION Advance general admission (good any day) is $23, $13 for children 2 to 16, and $18 for ages 17 to 24 (not available at retail outlets); day-of tickets are $28 opening day, Sunday, Feb. 28; $18 for students 17 to 24, and $13 for children 2 to 16; Monday, March 1, through Friday, March 5, is $24, $18 for students 17 to 24, and $13 for children 2 to 16; Saturday, March 6, and Sunday, March 7, are $26, $18 for students 17 to 24, and $13 for children 2 to 16. Tickets are available at the box office, on the website or at Dover locations including AAA, 55 Greentree Dr.; Acme, 1001 N. DuPont Highway; and PNC at 3 The Plaza, 505 N. DuPont Highway (Kmart shopping center) and 87 Greentree Dr.

MORE INFO www.theflowershow.com; call 215-988-8839 for information about group packages